Ibrox club repeat call for VAR with claims of ‘glaring errors’ by officials
RANGERS last night strengthened their call for VAR to be introduced in Scottish football after claiming to have been victims of ‘glaring’ refereeing errors in recent high-profile matches.
Sportsmail revealed earlier this month that the SFA intend to ask clubs early in the New Year if they are willing to foot the £1million-a-year bill to introduce the video referee system.
Rangers are clear in their support for VAR, with a renewed appeal coming in the wake of a 2-1 success for Steven Gerrard’s side at Celtic Park.
The Ibrox outfit conceded an equaliser that was deflected in off Odsonne Edouard’s hand. Gerrard declined to make an issue of it afterwards but felt Christopher Jullien should have been sent off for a challenge on Alfredo Morelos before his top scorer was dismissed in stoppage time.
Explaining the club’s support for
VAR, Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson said: ‘This is not a criticism of referees because they often have to perform under very difficult conditions and in a highly-emotive environment, as do our players and coaches. ‘The speed at which the modern game is played also means it is extremely difficult to make split-second calls with the degree of certainty required. ‘We believe the introduction of VAR would help referees enormously and reduce the number of wrong decisions which sometimes have a dramatic effect on the outcome of matches. ‘In recent weeks, Rangers has suffered from errors of judgment, but it is our strong view that VAR would be to the benefit of everyone and, in particular, the referees themselves.’ A release on the club’s website highlighted incidents that Rangers felt had gone against them. It read: ‘In this month alone, Rangers has suffered from three glaring errors in key matches. ‘On December 4 at Pittodrie, the referee failed to see Alfredo Morelos had been fouled inside the box and awarded a free-kick outside the penalty area. ‘The referee apologised to Steven Gerrard after the match but the damage had been done and Rangers had to settle for a 2-2 draw and the loss of two points. ‘Then, just four days later at Hampden, Rangers lost the Betfred Cup final when the officials failed to see that not just one, but three players were clearly offside when the only goal of the final was scored. ‘On Sunday, during the final game before the January break, the referee and his assistants awarded a goal even though the ball had been deflected into Allan McGregor’s net off a hand of an opposing player. ‘That goal should never have stood and would undoubtedly have been overturned had VAR been in use. ‘A number of other incidents, including the clear foul by Jullien on Alfredo Morelos as he attempted to break clear, were also missed. ‘Instead, and inexplicably, a foul was given against Alfredo. ‘The main point is that VAR, which is now used in many leagues throughout Europe, would help eradicate refereeing mistakes and greatly assist our match officials. ‘At the very least, the SFA/SPFL must now seriously consider the introduction of the system at the earliest opportunity otherwise the Scottish game is in danger of being left behind. ‘Rangers has already written to SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell asking that the association look at consideration of the introduction of VAR and the club is once again urging both governing bodies to give this matter serious consideration and study. ‘Rangers is aware of the financial argument against VAR but the cost to clubs which suffer from such game-changing decisions and the integrity of our game must also be given priority.’